Valtrex causes HSV2 outbreak

[jrk91]

I tested positive for HSV2 over a year ago and have had only two outbreaks since. The first of which I had always believed was caused by the Valtrex and am now convinced that is what happened because it has happened again. (The second one may have been the same way but I do not remember.)  I recently started taking Valtrex again because I started seeing someone who is virus free and I want to take as many precautions as possible so I do not spread it to them.  Unfortunately after a week or so of taking it I've noticed irritation down there; there are no blisters, yet.  I've read that it doesn't happen often but it is possible for Valtrex to cause an outbreak, especially when taken irregularly.  Anyway, what I need to know is if I should continue taking it and hope that everything evens out or if I'm better off not taking it, since it doesn't seem like I would have any outbreaks if it weren't for this medicine.  Of course I will discuss my decision with my partner, but I would like professional medical advice on what to do.  I don't like taking the medicine, it tends to make me dizzy which is the main side effect, and if it doesn't have the potential to actually keep me outbreak free like it is supposed to do then I don't think it would be beneficial to keep at it at all.  Are my odds of not having outbreaks and spreading it better if I continue to take the medicine everyday or if I don't take it at all? Since it has been known to cause my outbreaks I would think the latter but I'm unsure if they would subside after taking the medicine regularly for some time.  Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[gracefromHHP]

Just irritation can be many things. At this point it's too late to get it cultured to confirm if it's hsv2 or not.

I'd personally switch over to acyclovir twice a day for suppressive therapy and see if you tolerate that better. You will probably still have some side effects for the first 2 weeks ( headache and nausea being the most frequent ) but they should go away after that. You get the same results in reduction in shedding of the virus with acyclovir, you just have to take it more often since you get less active medication in your body from it. There are some folks who don't tolerate valtrex but do just fine on regular ole acyclovir. Well worth a try to protect your partner.

[jrk91]

The first outbreak I had one blister in one spot and after it went away I had another one in a different spot.  For the second outbreak I had one blister in the exact same spot as the very first one, which is also the same place I've felt irritation recently.  Both times before I took Valtrex after the blisters formed and it helped them go away (but of course if I have no blisters when I start taking it then it causes them to form, it's ridiculous.)  And I'll consider the other medicine though I'm not inclined to try more pharmaceuticals.  As you can see they don't jive well with my body. Lol. Thank you for the comment.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, it as been reported that this can happen but its not common at all so this would lead me to think these mightnot be herpes outbreak. They almost always appear in the same spot, give or take an inch. If these are herpes outbreaks you might consider switching over to acyclovir as a test.

If all you do is avoid sex during an outbreak, he has a 4% chance of getting it a year, or a 96% chance of not getting it.

If you take the antivirals, then it drops to 2%, or a 98% chance.